Files is fit and firing

BACK IN BUSINESS: Oldham hooker Adam Files.

COACH Scott Naylor has described the return of Adam Files as like having a new player in the Oldham RL ranks.

The hooker endured a miserable 2014 when a knee injury ruined his season and allowed bim only two Roughyeds outings from the replacements bench.

But after playing a part in both of Oldham’s opening warm-up games, Files seems ready to add his talent to the promotion push.

“He was outstanding in his first season with us but unfortunately last year he had a bad injury,” said Naylor.

“He is completely over that now and looks like his old self again.”

The countdown gathers pace to the new League One Cup competition and a home tie against Coventry Bears on March 1.

Naylor went on: “Personally, I think Adam could play Super League, but for one reason or another people don’t seem to want to take a chance on him. He’s still young, so maybe there is enough time.”

With three hookers in the squad — Files, Gareth Owen and Kenny Hughes — Naylor admits he is finding it hard to give them sufficient game-time.

“The friendlies are okay, but they can be a problem in that you are trying to get people fit by giving them time. I’ve got lads coming off the field saying they’re not tired - but it’s not about them, it’s about trying to get somebody else on.

“At Barrow, I will take a smaller squad and try to get more people more game time.”